Biotechnology Applied to Forensic Sciences
Source abstract
Abstract
Forensic biotechnology is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field integrating molecular biology, genomics, and data science to address complex investigative challenges. Its applications span diverse domains, including criminalistics, food authentication, environmental monitoring, and bioterrorism preparedness. Advanced technologies such as Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), CRISPR-Cas biosensors, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) play pivotal roles in modern diagnostics. NGS and eDNA revolutionize genetic profiling and ecological tracking, while microbiome analysis provides crucial insights into post-mortem intervals, cause of death, and geolocation. Simultaneously, CRISPR-based methods enable ultra-rapid pathogen detection, nanobiotechnology facilitates portable Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) DNA analysis, and AI-driven algorithms optimize the interpretation of complex genomic mixtures and epigenetic age estimation. Despite these breakthroughs, significant challenges persist, including the strict legal admissibility of novel methodologies, the “black-box” dilemma in AI, ethical concerns regarding genetic privacy, and the critical need for global standardization. This review critically examines current biotechnological progress and future prospects, emphasizing the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure reliable, accurate, and ethically sound forensic practices.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Forensic and Genetic Research · Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research · CRISPR and Genetic Engineering
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Funding
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia · PhD grant awarded to Nicole Moreira
References (89)
Show source-provided references
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